The Orville Season 2 Premiere Review: I Love Bortus (Even If He Does Have Some Personal Issues)

"The Orville" is back on Fox for it's second season. I honestly dont know why this show doesnt get more love. It's very creative and cute at times.

Episode 1 is"Ja'loja" and episode 2 is "Primal Urges". Both of these are Bortus-heavy (which is great because he's my favorite character).

In the premiere, Bortus must make his yearly visit to his home planet of Moclus. But this is different from Spock's trip home to mate. Bortus has to go home for the "Great Release". It seems Moclan only urinate once per year. Moclan physiology and customs are fascinating. Everyone on the crew will attend the event (but they must bring a "+1"). Mercer is upset because Kelly is dating someone else-- a teacher named Cassius. Kitan is paired up with a big headed alien named Dann (he's into poetry). There's also some teen drama involving Dr Finn's son Marcus. All in all, "Ja'loja" is a good start to the new season.

In "Primal Urges", the ship goes to witness the collapse of Nyxia (which is the last planet in a social system). It's being consumed by a star. They discover a number of people are living underground. The team desperately tries to rescue them. Some have to be left behind. Incidentally, great CGI here. Everything looks great!

Meanwhile Bortus is using the holodex for nefarious purposes. Here it is called the "environmental simulator" instead. It seems Bortus has a porno addiction. He's avoiding time with his mate Klyden and child Topa. We see him go through several different simulations (prisoner, doctor, etc) until he becomes bored with them. He orders a new program from a crew member named Unk. He's a big flabby creature . More of him please.

The program is delivered and Bortus goes to frolick next to a lake with a number of other Moclan. Klyden enters the holodeck and sees what's up. He then stabs Bortus in the chest while he sleeps. Doctor Finn is luckily able to revive Bortus. We find out this is how Moclan ask for a divorce. They are a rough bunch. Unfortunately now everyone knows about Bortus' addiction.

He and Klyden agree to couple's counseling with Dr Flynn. Bortus has unresolved feelings about Klyden's decision to change their daughter into a boy (as is Moclan tradition). Will these two make it? I hope so.

Another slight problem. The porno program contains a virus that takes control of the ship and is about to cause everyone's death. LaMarr, Dann (and eventually Issac) go into the holodeck to try to stop it. They must fight off the amorous Moclan in the process. Too funny! And yes, I know "Star Trek: TNG" had a similar episode with Barclay (but obviously couldnt do too much since it was 1990s TV). This does highlight something I've been wondering about since I learned about holodecks though. You know lots of crew members would be using them for the same thing.

Grade: 4 Monsters (out of 5). So far I'm enjoying season 2 of "The Orville". The adventures and characters continue to be compelling. I have the feeling they will go places "Star Trek" never dreamed of. Case in point, the first two Bortus-heavy episodes. He's my favorite character so that's great. The special effects are also much improved (with some gorgeous shots of a planet disintegrating). Lets hope they keep it up.